Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always trend on social media but absolutely should: the art of speech. Not the political kind, but the transformative, competitive kind. The kind that just earned a group of Decorah students the Critics’ Choice Prize at their state contest.
This isn’t just another trophy for the school cabinet. In a digital age where communication is often reduced to emojis, fleeting stories, and 280-character hot takes, what these students have mastered is becoming a superpower.
Think about it. They stood up, used nothing but their voices, their presence, and carefully crafted words to move an audience—and a panel of critics. They didn’t rely on filters, viral music, or algorithms. They relied on **human connection**, **clarity of thought**, and **emotional resonance**. In 2026, that feels almost radical.
We’re drowning in content but starving for meaningful communication. We have more platforms to speak than ever before, yet the skills to speak *effectively*—to persuade, to inspire, to tell a story that truly lands—are in dangerously short supply. That’s why this win is a beacon.
It’s a reminder that eloquence isn’t outdated; it’s essential. Whether you’re pitching an idea in a boardroom, advocating for a cause, or simply trying to connect with another person, the fundamentals these students are honing are the fundamentals of influence and understanding.
So, while the headlines might scroll by, let’s pause and give this its due. This prize isn’t just an accolade for a speech team. It’s a validation of a timeless skill set that our future desperately needs. To the Decorah students: you’re not just winning contests. You’re keeping a critical form of human magic alive. And for that, we should all be listening.
The stage is yours. The rest of us have a lot to learn.
